I laughed as I ran down the steps to get dressed quickly, feeling like a naughty teenager as I left through the back door, effortlessly vaulting the back wall into the alleyway behind Eden’s backyard.
A little while later I’d returned back to my apartment, took a quick shower, and dressed into clean clothes. A quick donut and coffee was all I had time for before I headed out to my car, mind racing with ideas.
How do I get hold of that scumbag, Goldie?
I could cruise the streets but last time I’d done so I had seen no sign of him. I’d already guessed that he’d had a word with Conall and taken a step or two up the ladder.
Just as easy to slip as it is to climb, Johnny boy. Unfortunately for you, you’re gonna find that out the hard way.
An idea popped into my head suddenly. There was an old biker’s bar on the other side of town, Freddie’s. It had been the headquarters of the old O’Rourke gang. They’d been brazen enough to run their drug operation from the bar.
I didn’t think Conall would be as stupid, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he’d taken his uncle's old bar back. Somewhere they could stay away from prying eyes, make deals with dirty cops and associates, organize distribution…
That’s where I’d find Goldie, if my assumption was correct.
That’s the thing with gangsters. Most of the time they have no imagination. Too predictable. Trying to be what someone else was, trying to be like people who are dead or in jail.
I shuddered to think what we’d be up against if we ever came up against an intelligent, original, subtle gangster with a decent imagination. I prayed that day never came.
I checked my guns as I headed to my car, ensuring both were fully loaded. The weight of them against my body comforted me. I could draw and shoot a headshot in a second or so and was deadly accurate. I’d taken plenty of hard men by surprise, disbelief on their faces as they dropped to the floor.
Lightning reflexes, and years of nurturing an almost superhuman natural talent with handguns. Sometimes I wondered if I took after my namesake gunslinger more than I thought.
I drove casually over to Frankie’s bar, focusing on remaining calm. My sharp eyes surveyed the road as I approached the bar, looking for any sign of activity. I couldn’t see anyone leaving or arriving as it was and took a position back down the road from the bar. Far enough away to avoid too much suspicion, but near enough to keep an eye on the bar.
There was no sign of much, other than some big mean looking bikes arrayed out the front of the bar. A few big, skin headed figures emerged every now and again to smoke by the door. Black, sleeveless jackets. Some had bandanas. The biker uniform. Everyone who walked past the bar looked the other way. Most crossed the road well before getting near Freddie’s.
A long time passed before I saw anything useful. Then someone caught my eye.
A smaller, squatter figure emerged from the bar with two other massive bikers. Gold teeth flashed in the early afternoon sun as he lit up a cigarette. A large beer was in his hand, and he drank it greedily, gut extending as he took big chugs.
I frowned, nodding as I saw him.
Got ya.
It was a good few hours still until Goldie left the bar, staggering slightly. Drunk at 3pm. I figured it would make my job all the easier.
He walked drunkenly over to his car which was parked near the bar, struggling with his keys as he opened the driver’s door. He set off, swerving only slightly as he drove, hopefully back to his place. I smiled ironically at his surprisingly good driving.
You’ve done this before, ain’t ya. Still, driving a little too slow. It’ll be easy to keep up, at least.
I followed behind his car, surprised by the direct route he took back to his bungalow near the middle of town. Money and power had made him overconfident, it seemed. Decent sized, immaculate garden. Pool by the side of the house. Drug money extravagantly spent already without regard of suspicion.
What a moron.
I gave him a minute to get out of his car and stagger to his front door. I ran my hand over my short hair, watching as he approached his house.
I quickly jumped out of my car, which I’d parked a way down the road from his house. He looked round in surprise as I vaulted his picket fence, his jaw slack, hand still on the open door in front of him.
He raised his arms in attempted defence, turning to face me as I rushed across his lawn. I was too quick for him. Anger surged through me, turning into raw power as I swung a right fist at his face, solid knuckles crunching against his cheekbone. He staggered back, head cracking against the doorframe as he half fell through his doorway.
“You can’t come in here, Jack. You ain’t got a warrant. Fuck off!” He had recovered slightly and stood, hands raised in defence. He’d adopted a rough fighter’s stance.
I stepped in the house, slamming the door behind me.
“Oh, I got my warrant right here.” I growled, hand in my trench coat. He looked in surprise at my jacket, confusion on his face.
I swung my clenched fist from my jacket, swinging my arm in a savage backhanded punch that connected with his other cheekbone. He grunted and fell back, landing heavily on his ass.
He attempted to rise. I stepped in, swinging a leg in a brutal side kick, my shin connecting to his temple with a sickening crunch. He slumped back onto the floor.
“Fucks sake, Jack. You’re an animal. I ain’t done nothing wrong. What’s your problem?” I got the impression he was stalling to avoid the savage beating he was about to get.
Then my suspicions were confirmed. A clumsy hand went to the small of his back, and he snarled as he twisted, drawing something from the rear of his pants.
My glock was in my hand in an instant, recoil pulsing up through my arm as I shot him in the shoulder. The gunshot cracked out through the house. Followed by Goldie screaming in pain as he writhed, right arm useless.
“Now that was a really, really bad idea.” I stood motionless, left hand at my side, right hand holding my gun casually. I waited to see if he was going to try anything else.
I need him alive. But if he wants to die, not much I can do about it.
He remained on the floor, gasping with pain and cursing at me.
“Shut up, John. It’s not that bad. Try anything else and you’re dead. If you don’t believe me, just do something stupid.” He snarled at me, anger and pain evident on his ugly features.
“That was for hitting Eden. You’re lucky I’m able to show restraint or you’d be a pulverized, useless mess on the floor. I told you not to try and think, didn’t I John? I told you not to be greedy. You’ve let me down, again.” I shook my head, tutting.
“Now, as it is no one knows I’m here. I’m looking into Conall solo, and I’ve been damn sly about it so far. So if you think anyone’s coming to help, you’re wrong.” He winced, managing to sit up, hand at the wound in his chest that was pulsing blood onto his wooden floor.
“So, here’s how this went down in my report. I came here to ask you a few questions. Friendly like. You swung at me. I hit you. You drew a gun and got shot. It’s my word against yours, a known snitch.” I looked down at him as he cowered pathetically in front of me.
“I’m taking you in, John. You had your second chance. We made a deal and you blew it. Game’s over now. All you can do is make things a little easier for yourself, right?” He nodded at me.
“Tell me where Conall’s lab is. Where they cook. You tell me that and I’ll let you make a deal with us. Sing like a bird and you won’t go away for the rest of your life.” He was looking down at the floor, his face flooded with despair.
“Jack. I never told Conall about nothing, I promise. I just needed more money. You know what it’s like. I was getting peanuts while the other guys were talking about their new houses. Watches. Cars. Wives.” He looked up at me, pleading.
“Listen. I’m rolling with Conall now. One of his trusted. I got cash, man. Lots of it. I can have a word with Conall, we ca….”
; I shot him in the left thigh, trying to avoid any major blood vessels but still made sure the wound was deep enough to sear with excruciating pain. He cried out, sobbing.
“Tell me where the lab is John, or I will kill you. You’re useless to me otherwise.” I walked over to him, handcuffing him with a little difficulty as he struggled in pain.
I took his gun and threw it to one side. I looked around the apartment. My eyes widened as I saw a large bag of meth sitting on a glass coffee table. A couple lines were arrayed haphazardly next to the bag.
Wow. His stupidity never ceases to amaze.
Goldie spoke to me through gritted teeth. “Alright man, I’ll do it. I don’t wanna die. There’s an old warehouse over the rough side of town. 42nd, the old industrial district. Pretty much deserted nowadays, but there's a building there Conall’s got as his lab. Got his uncle's old cook making the meth. Using the old materials, they managed to hide just before they got busted.” He grunted with pain.
“If you’re lying, I’m gonna get word to the O’Rourkes that you snitched. I got contacts inside. You’ll face a much more unpleasant end than the one I’m offering. So just rack your brains, right?” He was nodding.
I read him his rights, citing him for drug dealing, assault, drug possession, attempted assault and murder of a police officer.
My phone rang just after I’d finished reciting.
An unknown number flashed on the screen as I swiped it to answer.
“Jack Storm,” I said, frowning.
“Jack! It’s Eden. Conall’s here. Banging on the door, he sounds pissed. You gotta get here!” She sounded scared, and I could hear faint banging and shouting in the background.
“Keep the door locked, Eden. Barricade it if you have to. I’ll be there in 5 minutes.” I hung up, looking down at Goldie.
“Looks like I won’t have the pleasure of busting you. Damn shame.” I quickly dialed Lucas’s number, breathing out with relief as he answered quickly.
“Lucas, listen. I need a favor. Sorry for calling you on a Saturday, but you gotta do something for me, now. Grab your badge and gun, get in the car. I’m gonna give you a location. You gotta come bust a dealer, the meth is here in the living room. He’s been shot… twice. Better call an ambulance, too.”
I gave Lucas my location and checked Goldie’s cuffs, snapping them tight against his fat wrists. I tied his legs together at the ankles with a couple cable ties, just to be sure.
Then I sprinted out to the car. Time for a meeting with Conall.
FOURTEEN
Eden
I watched Jack leave, eyes on his naked butt as he walked off to get dressed in the kitchen. I sighed, memories of last night still fresh in my mind. I wanted more of him, and just having him close to me as I dozed was amazing. My heart sank slightly at the thought of a day of loneliness ahead of me.
I guess I’ll have to get used to it, dating a detective. Mysterious. Out there somewhere fighting the bad guys.
I kept thinking of Jack’s naked body. The way he’d been both gentle and dominant, experienced but not selfish. He was muscled yet slim and athletic in the all right places.
I lay in the bed idly for a while, hand resting on my palm as I gazed at the ceiling above me. I wondered at the chances of meeting Jack, the one who was determined to take down Conall. He was the best detective in town, the only one who would stop at nothing to see the streets safe once again.
I felt like it was somehow meant to be that I had a part to play in this too. I didn’t want to put myself in danger, but I didn’t want Conall squirming his way out of trouble again only to rear his ugly head years down the line, when I thought he was finally gone for good.
I didn’t want Jack having to put himself in any unnecessary danger either, which he would if I didn’t testify against Conall. I’d never been in trouble with the law and was well known and respected by folks around town. People liked me. If I said Conall had given me meth and Conall said he hadn’t, well, I knew who people would believe.
I sighed, rising up out of bed. I considered getting out the house. maybe I’d go to see my parents or just watch a few movies and get takeout. I stretched naked in front of my bed, flexing my shoulders and arms. I looked over at the open curtains on the other side of the room.
Oops. giving the neighbors an eyeful. Oh well.
I shrugged, feeling confident in my naked body. I remembered Jack’s reaction, his wide eyes at the sight, lust and desire showing as he took in every curve.
I took a long shower and dressed into some baggy, comfy clothes. I decided to make myself something to eat and laze around for a while before deciding if I was gonna head out later on.
A while later I was still resting on the sofa in the living room, stomach happily full from the big brunch I’d had. A large coffee was in my hands in front of me, hands clasped around the warm mug. My mind was consumed by Jack as I was flicking through the channels on the TV. I felt warm whenever I thought of him. Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind.
He probably lives in an apartment somewhere. There’s plenty of room here, room enough for two of us for sure… If everything goes well, maybe I’ll see if he wants to move in. We’ll definitely see much more of each other if we were living together.
The thought of Jack going to pay that ugly thug with gold teeth a visit made me smile ironically. I felt a grim satisfaction as I remembered the look on Jack’s face when he’d saw the bruise on my cheek. I didn’t think this Goldie was going to get away lightly. In fact, I suspected that one way or another he wouldn’t be seen around town for a very long time.
Some time passed as I sat on the couch, sipping from my mug of coffee. I contemplated moving from my comfortable seat and heading up to get ready and finally giving my Mom a call to see what her and Dad were doing today. I was still sitting facing the TV with the window of my living room in the corner of my vision when I spotted movement on the grass of my lawn. Immediately, my heart froze.
I hoped for a second that Jack had returned from his excursion already, but I knew that wasn’t possible. He had days of work ahead of him if he was to get solid evidence against Conall.
I saw three large men approach my front door, two following behind the lead figure. I turned my head slowly to see an angry Conall rush across my front lawn to the door. Loud banging followed.
Shit. Has he got hold of Jack? Please God, tell me Jack is still safe…
“Eden! You fucking bitch!” he screamed, uncontrolled rage in his voice.
“Open this door now! Or you’ll be in a lot more trouble than you are already.” he ranted, banging savagely on the door.
I was already on my feet, running quietly on the soles to check the door was securely locked. I took a step back, hand on the bannister as I backed onto the stairs, half frozen in fear.
I wasn't sure whether to stay silent or to tell him to go away. Something told me either way he was gonna get even more pissed.
Silence it is, then.
I remembered Jack’s promise and guessed now was as good a time as any to ask for help. I was in serious danger if Conall got in the house.
“I know you been talking to them cops, Eden! Got a source on the inside, says he saw Jack coming over this way last night! Saw him at your window. Same guy says he left by the back this morning!” He paused, swearing either to himself or his goons.
“Eden! You fucking promised me!” I heard a shoulder slam into the door.
I scrambled up the stairs as quick as I could, heading into my room and grabbing my cell phone from my bedside table.
I’d already saved Jacks number, and I dialed it with a shaky hand, breathing steadily in an effort to calm myself down.
Cmon, Jack. Answer. Answer the phone…
His cell rang for a horrible few moments as I waited with baited breath. Then a click, a deep voice answering at the other end.
“Jack Storm.” Relief flooded through me at the sound of Jack, his deep, calm voice loud over the phone.
I explained the situation, panic behind each word.
Five minutes. Better hope Conall doesn’t batter the door down in the meantime, then.
I kept my phone in my hand and gingerly walked downstairs. There was silence outside for a blessed moment. I didn’t expect it to last too long.
I grabbed a big, sharp knife from the kitchen and held it behind my back, edging myself along the wall within sight of the front door. I was well within my rights to stab Conall if he broke in, and I’d damn well go for the throat if he so much as stepped towards me.
I heard his voice sound again, muffled.
“I just wanna talk, babe. Really. Cmon, what happened before was a mistake! I’m sorry.” Silence followed as I held my breath.
It’d been about three minutes, I figured.
The door cracked with a loud impact. I heard swearing from outside the door. Another loud crack, and the door shook with impact from what I suspected was a heavy foot.
A few more hits like that and it’s gonna buckle. Then I’m gonna have three big thugs to deal with…
A cold clarity overcame me. A gruesome resolve as I made up my mind that if they were gonna hurt me, well then, they’d damn well pay for it. I’d smile sweetly at Conall as he approached then slash my knife at his neck.
My eyes widened as I heard the sound of a loud engine revving wildly outside, tires squealing.
A second later there was another impact on the door followed by more cursing from Conall as he screamed in rage. Wood splintered, and I heard the snap of metal.
The door held.
FIFTEEN
Jack
I rushed over to Eden’s, foot hard on the gas as I accelerated violently around the sparse traffic. My tires struggled to grip the road surface as I took corners hard, utilizing the large turbocharged engine of my car. I was determined to get to Eden as quickly as I’d promised, even faster if possible. I had left Goldie awaiting arrest by Lucas, confident he was gonna be taken in alive.
Say Yes, Senator: A Best Friend's Little Sister Political Romance Page 56
